By Scout Nelson
Energy is a critical part of agricultural irrigation, as every stage of delivering water to crops requires power. Efficient energy use helps reduce operating costs and supports better resource management.
Groundwater pumping accounts for most irrigation energy use, especially in areas that rely heavily on underground water supplies. As groundwater levels decline, more energy is needed to pump water, increasing costs for farmers, according to Harshanee Jayasekera, Jude Cobbing and Taro Mieno from the Univesity of Nebraska System.
Energy is also required to pressurize irrigation systems, move water through pipelines, and operate equipment such as center pivots. Low-pressure irrigation systems generally consume less energy than high-pressure alternatives.
The Power Conversion Coefficient (PCC) is commonly used to measure irrigation efficiency. Higher PCC values indicate more efficient systems, while lower values suggest excess energy is being used to deliver water.
Many irrigation systems operate inefficiently due to aging infrastructure, worn pumps, poor well design, and equipment deterioration. These issues can significantly increase energy consumption and long-term operating expenses.
Electricity pricing can influence irrigation decisions, as farmers often adjust water use in response to energy costs. Higher energy prices typically encourage reduced groundwater pumping and more efficient water management practices.
Weather conditions also affect energy demand. Higher temperatures increase irrigation requirements, leading to greater electricity use and higher production costs.
Improving irrigation efficiency through equipment upgrades, routine maintenance, and better energy management can lower costs, conserve groundwater, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of agricultural operations.
Photo Credit: istock-laughingmango
Categories: Nebraska, Sustainable Agriculture, Weather